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Well-Known Member

Too many Calvinists have recommended this book, and the other day a trusted source of mine also did the same and so I finally caved and bought a copy, however I got it used online for $1.50 to save costs. Has anyone read it and what do you think? It seems to endorse friendship evangelism and other methods that are against WOTM. However as good as WOTM is, its not a Calvinist form of evangelism. But I still have much good to say of WOTM. But God's sovereignty in salvation cannot be reduced to one form of evangelism, as he can work via friendships as well. What do you say of the book? I will give it a read when I get a copy.

That's Tonto talk. You meant : "But I still have many good things to say about ..."

Your posts sound conflicted. You speak of money woes and pledge not to buy any more books. Then you buy books in the next breath. You are "an open book" (pun intended). You willingly post inconsistencies.

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Active Member

Metzger's "Tell the Truth" is Excellent. And it is not "Against" WOTM. It is simply a slightly different approach. He does say things that might make a non-lordshiper squirm a little, but that should be a problem for you.

Here's a quote from the book (taken out of context, as he does speak of using different strategies for different situations) that you, Evangelist, will like, and hopefully entice you to read the book:

"Relational evangelism, in spite of it's good intentions, often does not emphasize hearing the word of truth as necessary kindling that the Holy Spirit ingnites in regeneration. Relational Evangelism's approach can neglect the theological content of the gospel by shifting the focus to the personality and experience of the evangelist."

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Well-Known Member

That's Tonto talk. You meant : "But I still have many good things to say about ..."

Your posts sound conflicted. You speak of money woes and pledge not to buy any more books. Then you buy books in the next breath. You are "an open book" (pun intended). You willingly post inconsistencies.

Make a change. Make a pledge and stick with it.

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Are there any rabbits in your area? When was the last time you chased a rabbit? I suggest you go outside and chase a rabbit but do not touch one. If there are cotties or Jack Rabbits or whatever species make sure to post pics of your rabbit chase here.

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Well-Known Member

Metzger's "Tell the Truth" is Excellent. And it is not "Against" WOTM. It is simply a slightly different approach. He does say things that might make a non-lordshiper squirm a little, but that should be a problem for you.

Here's a quote from the book (taken out of context, as he does speak of using different strategies for different situations) that you, Evangelist, will like, and hopefully entice you to read the book:

"Relational evangelism, in spite of it's good intentions, often does not emphasize hearing the word of truth as necessary kindling that the Holy Spirit ingnites in regeneration. Relational Evangelism's approach can neglect the theological content of the gospel by shifting the focus to the personality and experience of the evangelist."

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Thanks. Bought the 2002 version for $1.50 and await it anxiously. Looks like a deep book and according to a review I read it's a book used in seminary classes at Westminster seminary.

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Well-Known Member

This book makes some good points, we should present the maximum amount of truth to the maximum number of people. We should not minimize the gospel message, leaving out things that do not fit with our preconceptions.

However, preconceptions abound within its view of the gospel.

Lets think about God, are some of his attributes more important than others, such that we can ignore some, or they all important and worthy of worship?

Is it more important to present God has creator or God as love? Does either attribute nullify or lessen the other?

Is the fact God can control us totally, that we are putty in His hand, mean He does not give us within His limits the ability to make autonomous choices? For example, if He hardens our hearts, our ability to choose to trust in Jesus is blocked, but if our heart is not fully hardened, then can we choose Jesus?

If we "know the Truth" the truth knows us, and we have no fear of Jesus saying, "I never knew you."

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Lifelong Disciple

Moderator

Grammar is a weakness for me...but I have yet seen an instance where Rippon's correction was off the mark.

I have not read the book yet. I may not (I have not really seen a need for such a diversity of books on the subject....most seem to be close to saying the same thing in different ways). I think there comes a time when Christians lay aside many books to concentrate on Scripture. When you finish the book, if you don't mind let me know what you think.

Also, is this something that could be used to format an evangelism class in a local church?

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Well-Known Member

Grammar is a weakness for me...but I have yet seen an instance where Rippon's correction was off the mark.

I have not read the book yet. I may not (I have not really seen a need for such a diversity of books on the subject....most seem to be close to saying the same thing in different ways). I think there comes a time when Christians lay aside many books to concentrate on Scripture. When you finish the book, if you don't mind let me know what you think.

Also, is this something that could be used to format an evangelism class in a local church?

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It would need to be a Calvinist based church, unless the non-Cal church would be open to Metzger's Reformed viewpoints.

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Lifelong Disciple

Moderator

It would need to be a Calvinist based church, unless the non-Cal church would be open to Metzger's Reformed viewpoints.

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I am curious, John. I think I have read much of the book you mention (but I no longer own it...or can't find it). At first I had it mixed up with another (I can't remember the title...had a picture of a runner on the cover). If I recall, there were no points where I disagreed with Metzger's book...at first I questioned his broad-brushing "friendship evangelism" until I realized he was actually advocating the method while joining others in pointing out the necessity of presenting the gospel and the dangers of leaving it out. (If I recall, he states it more as communication evangelism...but I may have the word wrong). But I do not understand the link you make between effective biblical evangelism and Calvinism. Why would an adherence to or openness towards Calvinism be necessary?

If you are willing to explain your conclusions to me and discuss the book, I will try to find my copy or even purchase another.

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Well-Known Member

I am curious, John. I think I have read much of the book you mention (but I no longer own it...or can't find it). At first I had it mixed up with another (I can't remember the title...had a picture of a runner on the cover). If I recall, there were no points where I disagreed with Metzger's book...at first I questioned his broad-brushing "friendship evangelism" until I realized he was actually advocating the method while joining others in pointing out the necessity of presenting the gospel and the dangers of leaving it out. (If I recall, he states it more as communication evangelism...but I may have the word wrong). But I do not understand the link you make between effective biblical evangelism and Calvinism. Why would an adherence to or openness towards Calvinism be necessary?

If you are willing to explain your conclusions to me and discuss the book, I will try to find my copy or even purchase another.

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I am on page 30 and everyrthing he has said so far flows from a Calvinist view of evangelism. Go buy yourself a copy I am using the 3rd edition (2002). Take my evangelism quiz that I posted a few hours ago.

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Well-Known Member

This book makes some good points, we should present the maximum amount of truth to the maximum number of people. We should not minimize the gospel message, leaving out things that do not fit with our preconceptions.

However, preconceptions abound within its view of the gospel.

Lets think about God, are some of his attributes more important than others, such that we can ignore some, or they all important and worthy of worship?

Is it more important to present God has creator or God as love? Does either attribute nullify or lessen the other?

Is the fact God can control us totally, that we are putty in His hand, mean He does not give us within His limits the ability to make autonomous choices? For example, if He hardens our hearts, our ability to choose to trust in Jesus is blocked, but if our heart is not fully hardened, then can we choose Jesus?

If we "know the Truth" the truth knows us, and we have no fear of Jesus saying, "I never knew you."

Click to expand...

This refers to "Tell the Truth, The Whole Gospel to the Whole Person by Whole People.

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Lifelong Disciple

Moderator

This refers to "Tell the Truth, The Whole Gospel to the Whole Person by Whole People.

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Too bad...I'll have to wait on snail mail for that one.

BTW...while I'm waiting...I'll let John know where my church stands (as a point of reference...I know where he stands).

Evangelism is communicating the gospel to the lost. Before one can accept the gospel they must understand the need. All men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. God's Law testifies to this. But one must believe to be saved. This belief includes repentance and of course belief in Jesus as Lord. God draws men to Himself. It is not up to me to talk someone into "accepting Christ" as I cannot save anyone. But God draws people to Himself and works in their lives to effect salvation.

While I realize that this is both the "Calvinistic" and "Arminian" and often "non-Calvinistic/Arminian" method, this seems to be a suitable end for a beginning summary.

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